Aontú Senator Sarah O’Reilly has expressed deep sympathy for the woman at the centre of the recent Donegal court case who had been forced by her partner to take tablets to end her pregnancy. O’Reilly stated that the reported coercion represents a grave form of gender based violence.
Senator O’Reilly said the case raises serious questions about how coercion is identified and prevented, particularly where abortion is provided through telemedicine consultations.
“This woman was not simply unsupported, she was forced into an abortion. To see such an act of violence inflicted on a vulnerable young woman is heartbreaking. When consultations take place remotely, it is more difficult to be certain that a woman is safe and not being coerced into having an abortion. We can’t simply ignore the fact that telemedicine abortion means there is a greater risk to women and their wellbeing.”
She referenced comments from Ann Furedi, former CEO of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who acknowledged that no remote system can fully eliminate the possibility that a woman is being influenced or monitored by someone else during a consultation.
“We must be honest that coercion can happen behind closed doors. A system that relies on remote assessment cannot adequately assess a woman’s physical and mental health. Our health care system should prioritise the safety of female patients.”
While noting that the Minister for Health previously cited a 2021 HSE review which concluded that telemedicine abortion was safe and effective, Senator O’Reilly said the Donegal case demonstrates the need for a new and fully independent review with a specific focus on coercion and abuse.
“A review that looks only at reported clinical events is not enough. We need to examine whether the system is adequately protecting women from coercion and gender based violence”
She called on the Minister for Health and the HSE to commission an immediate independent review of telemedicine abortion provision to assess screening processes, safeguarding measures and supports for women at risk.
“This is about protecting women. No woman should ever be forced into abortion through fear, pressure or control.”
